Morning Devotional
April 9, 2005
"The Woman at the Well" (Part 3) 
    by Don Emmitte

Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Please give me a drink." He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, "You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?" (John 4:5-9 NLT).

 

I purposefully chose the name for my ministry (Grace Restoration Ministries) because I am convinced that there is far too much emphasis on the negative in today’s church. God is positive. He is graceful. Grace is the missing ingredient in far too many lives today.

 

You’ve no doubt heard the song “Amazing Grace”. It is a Christian classic hymn known around the world. There is a newer song out, which is called “Grace Still Amazing”. The premise is that God’s grace still is amazing....even today. The Samaritan woman couldn’t believe a Jewish man was speaking to a Samaritan woman. Men in that culture didn’t much speak to women, but for a Jew to speak to a Samaritan was unheard of. It just didn’t happen.

 

I was talking with a young man recently that has done more things wrong in his short life span than most people do in all their life. If he had been caught in most instances he would have probably still been in jail. His hardest concept to understand right now is this: How could God love him? I must admit, that’s a tough question for me too, but the fact is, He does. His grace is still amazing to me.

 

Being very honest, however, I can’t get over the fact that He saved me. I know what’s in and has been in my heart. I know the pain I have caused others. I know the wages of sin is death. I believe the justice of God must hold the sinner accountable. I know that if I am to defend myself against a Holy God, I loose! Big time! But, do you know what? His grace is still amazing! In spite of who I am, Jesus loves me. In spite of my wickedness, Jesus loves me. In spite of my inability to do anything about my sin debt, Jesus loves me.

 

Perhaps you are caught in the web of failure and wonder how God could possibly love you? On the surface, there is no logic that would answer your doubt. However, reach out to him and feel his response of acceptance and grace. You will find he is waiting for you to do just that! His Grace is STILL amazing!